MAY 2015 – Chamber to Present State of The Community Luncheon

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#2 Chamber to present Community Luncheon

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce along with Southern California Gas Company, Redlands Community Hospital and Southern California Edison will present the Annual State of the Community Luncheon, Thursday, June 25th, 12:00 PM at the Orton Center, University of Redlands. Check-in begins at 11:30 AM

Mayor Paul Foster along with Council Members Pat Gilbreath, Jon Harrison, Paul Barich and John James will address the community, share accomplishments of the past year and plans for the future.

“This event is an excellent opportunity for our Mayor and Council to meet with the citizens and business leaders of Redlands. It will give them an opportunity to share both the immediate and long term visions for the city.” said Geoff Bonney, Chamber President. “We look forward to learning how our city leaders will meet the fiscal challenges that lie ahead. And we are extremely interested in the priorities on the list of “what’s next” and how the elected officials plan to address them. We are delighted to once again present this annual event.”

During the luncheon the Mayor will make presentations to the 2015 Beautification Award recipients and to the 2015 Redlands Heroes award winners.  Nomination forms for both awards are available at the Chamber office or on-line at the city’s web site, www.cityofredlands.org.

The cost of the luncheon is $35 per person, reservations are required.

For more information about the State of the Community Luncheon or to make reservations, call 793-2546.

 

MAY 2015 – How to Win With Social Media

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Social Media PictureHow to win with social media

By Marcy Weaver, MicroNet, Inc.                

Social media continues to prove itself as a viable and long term tactic for marketing out reach.  Furthermore it’s affordable and easy to manage with just an Internet connection and basic marketing skills.

However, because the game is always changing, businesses must stay current on new social media strategies to keep engaged.

Tips for success:

Don’t spread yourself too thin. Decide which social media platforms are best for your business. Are your customers primarily on Facebook- Twitter-LinkedIn? Those platforms are the most popular in the business community.  But consider, YouTube, Pinterest, or Instagram.  Which best suits your needs and will help you drive customers and growth to your business.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Facebook recently started filtering out unpaid promotional material in users’ news feeds that businesses have posted as status updates. Consider using paid advertising options like Facebook’s “boost this post” to ensure you reach your target audience.

Create relevant and interesting content for your users. Pull them in with information that is engaging and useful to them. Try not to self-promote too frequently. A good rule of thumb is one-to-six: promote your business one time for every six posts you make.

When coming up with items to post, keep in mind that not all content you post has to be original. 48% of marketers curate noteworthy content from reputable, third-party sources, according to Design & Promote an online marketing firm. Find articles on line your customers can use, make sure to source them and then post them.

Seek out and use customer testimonials to give your posts a human connection. If possible use video to tell the stories. A new trend suggests that videos rule over photos. According to new data from social media analytics company Socialbakers, photo posts are half as likely to be seen as videos in Facebook user newsfeeds.

Remember to engage your followers. After all this is “social media” so be social! Monitor your comments, likes, shares, and retweets. Respond when needed, invite people to your website and thank your audience for their comments.

Marcy Weaver is the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at MicroNet, Inc. provider of membership managing software and website solutions

MAY 2015 – New Chamber Members – April 2015

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7 ELEVEN #34291
Prince Sandhu
1601 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  307-8460

HIEN MARKETING AND BROKERAGE
Hien Huynh
P. O. Box 9502
Redlands, CA  92375
Phone:  363-5669

LINDA VALLEY ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE
Taylor Witt
25393 Cole Street
Loma Linda, CA  92354
Phone:  799-3117

MACGUYZ
Robb Gammill
414 E. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-5903

NAPOLI ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Sam Singh
24960 Redlands Blvd
Loma Linda, CA  92354
Phone:  796-3770

STEP 3 MARKETING SOLUTIONS
Mark Michael
Yucaipa, CA  92399
Phone:  222-0027

 

SUNFIRE MEDIA
Chris Sawyer
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  951-565-3435

MAY 2015 – Chamber Members Renewing April 2015

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AAA ALARM SYSTEMS – TBM
Tim Murone
278 Tennessee Street, Suite 8
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2194

ALL FOUR PAWS PET CARE
Elizabeth Kulbin
P. O. Box 1322
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  380-1337

A STORAGE PLACE – BARTON ROAD
Kierstin Wasko
26419 Barton Road
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  796-4447

BEEMAN’S PHARMACY REDLANDS
Bob Beeman
255 Terracina Blvd, Suite 103
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-2300

BRONCS TOWING
Mike & KG Ardabili
1083 W. Park Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  307-0944

CASP CERTIFIED ACCESS SPECIALIST
Dan Kaiser
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  747-5296

CONNECTION TO CRUISE
Marlys & George Abali
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  798-9133

CORTNER CHAPEL
Brad Orton
221 Brookside Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2353

 

EADIE AND PAYNE, LLP
John Prentice
1839 W. Redlands Blvd.
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2406

 

ENTERPRISE FUNDING CORPORATION
Jeff Sceranka
300 E. State Street, Suite 230
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-3803

 

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Dr. J. T. Greenleaf
1 East Olive
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2118

 

FOREIGN AUTO TECH
Sid Takouche
1635 W. Redlands Blvd
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  335-9575

 

GIRL SCOUTS SAN GORGONIO COUNCIL
Knea Hawley
1751 Plum Lane
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  748-7223

 

HENRY BUSH PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR COND
Tyler Miner
429 Texas Street
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  793-8461

 

HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE
Laurel Brown
1430 E. Cooley #120
Colton, CA  92324
Phone:  370-0343

 

INLAND EMPIRE 66ERS BASEBALL CLUB
Adam Franey
280 South “E” Street
San Bernardino, CA  92401
Phone:  888-9922

 

KONA ICE OF REDLANDS
Cheri Lynn Faber
Riverside, CA  92506
Phone:  809-9294

 

NEW DAY SOLAR
Mary Carlson
23811 Washington Avenue,
Suite C110 #224
Murrieta, CA  92562
Phone:  855-444-6329

 

REDLANDS ADVENTIST ACADEMY
Luisa DeSia
130 Tennessee
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-1000

 

REDLANDS COUNTRY CLUB
Betty Rivero
1749 Garden Street
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-2661

 

SAWYER COOK INSURANCE
Deborah Gillmaster
1200 California Street, Suite 260
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  435-0230

 

SEA BRIGHT SOLAR, INC.
Kathy Porter
1785 Industrial Park Avenue #A
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  335-0820

 

SMS SECURITY INC
Shawn & Shelly Smigel
112 E. Olive Avenue, Suite D
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  307-1007

 

STATE FARM INSURANCE – BILL SOLBERG
Bill Solberg
401 Brookside Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  792-2188

 

SUBWAY #23694
Ajay Gandhi
1971 W. Redlands Blvd, Unit D
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  793-4550

 

THE GAS COMPANY – A SEMPRA ENERGY CO
Kristine Scott
155 South G Street
San Bernardino, CA  92410
Phone:  335-7941

 

THE JOINT REDLANDS
Jim Burbach
466 North Orange Street
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  798-7788

 

THE PERRIE MUNDY GROUP
Kerry Spelman
214 E. Olive Avenue
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  307-0616

 

TLC PET SITTING
Christine O’Hagan
Redlands, CA  92373
Phone:  226-2916

 

TOTALLY KIDS
Doug Padgett
1720 Mountain View Avenue
Loma Linda, CA  92354
Phone:  796-6915

 

UCR GROUP
Shannon Gairson
1177 Idaho Suite 200
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  818-299-2594
VIRTUAL IMAGES UNLIMITED
Maile Kaulukukui
1177 Idaho Street, Suite 100
Redlands, CA  92374
Phone:  388-1000

 

WATER ON TAP
Rob Myer
P. O. Box 1932
Running Springs, CA  92382
Phone:  273-3077

 

WEBDOCSNETWORK
Linda Hamrick
Beaumont, CA  92223
Phone:  562-355-0353

 

MAY 2015 – Did You Know

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Redlands Conservancy pictureDid you know…….

The Chamber  worked with the Redlands Conservancy on a marketing campaign to reach out to the development community interested in restoring and adaptively reusing commercial buildings, enhancing the current makeup of the existing inventory in Redlands, the result was a brochure that shows the kinds of opportunities available when locating and adapting buildings in downtown and historic areas.

 

MAY 2015 – Member Profile – Alta Vista Credit Union

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Alta Vista PictueAlta Vista looking out for your best interest

Alta Vista Credit Union, formerly known as Norton Air Force Base Credit Union is a state charter credit union serving the Inland Empire since March 23, 1943.  Alta Vista obtained a community charter in 1990s, following the base closure, allowing the field of membership to expand to anyone who lives, works or worships in San Bernardino or Riverside Counties.  With two branch locations, one in Redlands located at 1425 West Lugonia Avenue across from the Citrus Plaza and the other in Rialto located at 2025 North Riverside Ave.

Alta Vista Credit Union offers many options to its members these days when it comes to banking services and meeting member’s financial needs including free checking accounts, auto loans, personal loans, home equity loans and credit cards, as well as electronic services and personal service.  They specialize in loans that meet all of their member’s needs.  When looking to purchase a new or used vehicle or refinance their existing vehicle, members can apply for low auto loan rates.  Members can pay off their high interest credit cards with no balance transfer fee using their Alta Vista VISA Credit Card.  Alta Vista offers low rates on personal loans and home equity loans.

Alta Vista Credit Union offers banking anytime, anywhere that is hassle free, safe and secure with:

  • Mobile Banking – banking at your fingertips on your web-enabled mobile phone. Visit www.altavistacu.mobi.
  • Home Banking and Bill Pay – access your account from your computer, pay bills, transfer funds to another financial institution, view your monthly account statements and more.
  • 30,000 worldwide FEE FREE ATMS – Use your AVCU ATM card or Debit Card at over 30,000 CO-OP ATMs.
  • Audio 24 – access your account information 24 hours a day with just the touch of your phone’s key pad. It’s easy – call (909) 809-3837 or toll free at (800) 382-8130 to access your account.The Alta Vista Credit Union staff is committed to providing quality products and responsive service with honesty, integrity and respect, greeting you with a smile and having all your questions expertly answered.
  • Credit member’s deposits are insured up to a combined $250,000 by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).  The NCUSIF is administered by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government. For more information call 909 809-3838 or log onto www.altavistacu.org
  •  At Alta Vista Credit Union you’re not a customer; you’re a member of a not-for-profit cooperative.  What that means is that Alta Vista Credit Union returns any profit back to our members in the forms of: better loan rates, lower service charges, higher savings dividends and new and improved products and service.

 

MAY 2015 – Member Profile – Kenaston Flooring

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Kenaston Flooring Picture

Professional flooring services for residential and commercial flooring

 

Kenaston Flooring is your source for beautiful carpeting, hardwood floors, and many other flooring options for both residential and commercial properties. Their large collection of quality products and commitment to their customers has helped them establish themselves as one of the top flooring companies Inland Empire.

Kenaston Flooring offers products from some of the top retailers in the nation for homes and commercial properties. From basic carpets to hardwoods and laminate flooring, they offer any type of flooring to suit your project.

The knowledgeable team makes it a point to work with customers each step of the way to achieve the results they desire. They consider the customers’ needs, preferences, and budget in order to make the right flooring choice. They install the flooring in a timely, professional manner, paying strict attention to detail to ensure the job is done properly.

Customer service is a priority at Kenaston Flooring. When you contact the experts at Kenaston Flooring, you can be sure you will speak to someone who cares about your project. When your new flooring is installed, you can feel confident that the job was done properly and thoroughly, and that the results will last for years.

Thanks to the generosity of the of the entire team at Kenaston Flooring the Redlands Chamber has brand new carpeting in the downstairs lobby/office area providing a fresh and welcoming environment as soon as you enter the building.

Your floors make a big impact, whether you are ready to install fresh carpet, beautiful hardwood floors, or start fresh with a different type of flooring, or if you are just considering your options, you can trust Kenaston Flooring to provide you with a professional opinion and beautiful results. Contact the professionals at 909 884-8788 to schedule your free design consultation.

 

Harkins Discounted Movie Tickets Available At Chamber Office

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As the cost of just about everything continues to rise, one of the added values of Chamber membership is the ability to escape into the world of movie magic at discounted prices. In partnership with Harkins Theatres the Redlands Chamber offers discounted tickets to members providing substantial savings when it’s time to go to the movies.

Whether the tickets are used for personal enjoyment or as an incentive for customers or employees, they are a terrific reward for a job well done or a gift for customer loyalty.

Tickets are available at the Chamber office for members only during normal office hours, Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM (closed 12 –1) and Friday 8 AM to Noon. Each ticket is $8.00 each (Cash or Check Only Please). For large orders call in advance to insure there are adequate tickets available. (909) 793-2546

Discounted movie tickets; another benefit of chamber membership!!

APRIL 2015 – President’s Article by Geoff Bonney

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President Geoff BonneyThe Train Cometh

For the many years there has been talk of a passenger rail line extending from the San Bernardino station into Redlands.  For some the constant dialog with no concrete action had brought the topic “not in my lifetime” status.  All that is about to change.

In recent months the level of activity on the rail project has increased.  Most importantly, there is money.  With the forward progress the discussions have transformed from idle fantasy to debate.  As with many such issues that bring significant change there are pros and cons.

In the end SANBAG has decided to move forward with bringing passenger train service into Redlands.  The line will extend from the old Santa Fe station in San Bernardino to the University of Redlands, with stops at New York Street (Esri) and downtown.  The current schedule calls for rail service to start in the next 4 years or so.  The train is coming.  Now we must focus what that will mean for the Redlands community.

There will be both positive and negative impacts.  Many of the impacts, both good and bad, were brought up in the debate phase.  By starting a constructive dialog now we can plan and take actions that will allow us to take the best advantage of the positive impacts, and mitigate the negative.

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is asking for your thoughts, both good and bad, on what you think the train service will mean to your business.  If you believe it will have no impact on your business, we need to know that too.  The goal is to identify changes that we can make locally to make the best use of the passenger rail service.  We are not looking for a list of reasons why the train should or should not come to Redlands.  We have that.  What we are looking for is constructive suggestions on things that can be done to make the service as beneficial as possible.  Change is frequently difficult, but this is not groundbreaking territory.  Passenger rail services such as this have been a great benefit for communities across the county for decades.  We need to do is learn from them, and implement their best practices.

Start thinking about the train.  Send your suggestions to the Chamber office at info@redlandschamber.org. Let us know of any Cities where you have had good or bad experiences with a commuter train service, and most importantly why.  The sooner we start looking at this, the better prepared we will be to take advantage the rail service